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Music Education Major: Vocal K-12 Emphasis

Bachelor of Music

With a music education: vocal K-12 degree, you’ll gain the music and education skills to teach others the art of singing.

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Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a music education: vocal K-12 major, you’ll receive rigorous training in teaching methods, music theory, composition, and more, equipping you to inspire the next generation of musicians as a teacher and across various educational settings.

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Why should I study music education with a vocal K-12 emphasis at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of Music and Performing Arts and the Department of Education, where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and invest in your success.

  • Faith-fueled learning
    You’ll learn to use your God-given musical talents to go into the world and serve with purpose, whether in performance, teaching, or composing.

  • A respected education program
    You’ll study education in a department known and respected around the region and beyond for its strong teacher preparation. In fact, many area principals look to hire recent Bethel graduates, and many students secure a full-time job before graduation.

  • Collaborative setting
    Work closely with experienced faculty members, receiving personalized mentorship and guidance in both music and education courses.

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Musicians playing handbells during a performance, illuminated by blue stage lighting.
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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

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Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

Throughout the music education: vocal K-12 program, you’ll cultivate a diverse set of skills essential for effective vocal teaching and musical performance.

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Vocal pedagogy and techniques

Master the art of vocal instruction, learning techniques for vocal health, range expansion, and expressive singing across musical genres. You’ll also develop proficiency in pronouncing songs in foreign languages.

Music theory and composition

Strengthen your foundation in music theory, including notation, harmony, and more. You’ll learn composition and arranging, enabling you to create vocal arrangements and adapt musical pieces to suit vocal ensembles.

A strong base in education and training methods

You’ll learn teaching methods, curriculum design, the ability to instruct small and large groups, and the means to measure and evaluate your techniques.

Conducting

Learn conducting techniques specific to vocal ensembles, mastering gestures, and cues, to lead singers effectively.

Teaching methods and education theory

Explore methodologies for teaching vocal music at elementary and secondary levels, integrating music education theories with practical teaching strategies. You’ll also be well-versed in educational theories and pedagogical practices relevant to vocal education.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

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Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

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Student teaching and classroom experience

From your first day on campus, you’ll have numerous classroom experiences in a range of diverse settings in our partner schools. And you’ll spend a semester student teaching full time in a local classroom. And we have many partnerships with area schools that will help you find the best fit that suits your goals.

Performance opportunities

Regularly perform in several home events like Festival of Christmas, Classics in the Great Hall, and Jazz in the Great Hall. You’ll perform in Benson Great Hall, a premier venue in the Twin Cities metro.

Two students performing a duet on stage with a pianist accompanying them.

Study abroad

Participate in music ensembles that travel across the United States and abroad. Previous locations have included Singapore, Malaysia, Poland, Sweden, France, and more. And you can study music and education during trips abroad over a full semester, January, and summer.

See all experiences

Real-world impact

What can I do with a music education degree?

With a music education: vocal K-12 major, you'll be equipped for various roles in music education and beyond.

Teaching and education

You’ll be prepared for a career as a teacher in K-12 settings in a variety of schools, fostering students' vocal talents through innovative teaching.

Choral leadership

Direct and conduct vocal ensembles, spanning from school choirs to community and professional groups, nurturing singers to achieve artistic excellence.

Vocal instruction

Offer private vocal lessons, guiding students of varying ages and skill levels to develop their singing abilities.

Arts administration

Manage music programs, festivals, and performance venues, contributing to the cultural enrichment of communities.

Composition

Create original vocal compositions and arrangements for choirs, vocal ensembles, and soloists, adding to the musical repertoire.

Graduate school

Your degree prepares you for further education in music education or related fields, empowering you for leadership roles and ongoing professional growth.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success.

Department of Music and Performing Arts


Location

Clauson Center (CC) 301

Contact

Merrin Guice Gill

Merrin Guice Gill

Merrin Guice Gill

Associate Professor of Music, and Director of Choral Activities

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Steven Thompson

Steven Thompson

Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Activities

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Emily Urban

Emily Urban

Staff Accompanist

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Lydia Shull

Office Coordinator

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Brad Beale

Adjunct Instructor of Music

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David Crittenden

David Crittenden

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music

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Jason Harms

Jason Harms

Adjunct Instructor of Music

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Tina Park

Tina Park

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music and Private Lesson Instructor in Piano

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John Povolny

John Povolny

Adjunct Instructor of Music

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Kevin Shull

Kevin Shull

Adjunct Instructor of Music, Director of the Handbell Ensemble and Manager of Music Organizations

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Marshall Urban

Marshall Urban

Adjunct Instructor of Music

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Jeff Brueske

Jeff Brueske

Private Lesson Instructor in Jazz Bass

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Zachary Gingerich

Private Lesson Instructor in trombone

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Emily Hagen

Emily Hagen

Private Lesson Instructor in Viola

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Angela Hanson

Angela Hanson

Private Lesson Instructor in Violin

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Julia Heinen

Private Lesson Instructor in Clarinet

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Mark Kausch

Mark Kausch

Private Lesson Instructor in Double Bass

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Merilee Klemp

Merilee Klemp

Private Lesson Instructor in Oboe

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Carole Mason Smith

Carole Mason Smith

Private Lesson Instructor in Music and Theatre

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Allyson Partin

Private Lesson Instructor of French Horn

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Lindsay Schlemmer

Lindsay Schlemmer

Private Lesson Instructor in Cello

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Justin Staebell

Private Lesson Instructor in Voice

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Brent Adams

Brent Adams

Associate Professor of Theatre Arts Emeritus

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Mary Fall

Mary Fall

Associate Professor of Music Emerita

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Herbert Johnson

Herbert Johnson

Professor of Music Emeritus

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Dennis Port

Dennis Port

Professor of Music Emeritus

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Rick Rees

Rick Rees

Professor of Theatre Arts Emeritus

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Mark Rhoads

Mark Rhoads

Professor of Music Emeritus

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Jonathan Veenker

Jonathan Veenker

Associate Professor of Music Emeritus

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Meg Zauner

Meg Zauner

Associate Professor of Theatre Emerita

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Students have won a national composition prize and a statewide vocal competition.

Alumni perform in local musical theatre productions at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, the Ordway, the Guthrie, and the Minnesota Children’s Theatre Company.

Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

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Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

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Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

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Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

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Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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Find your fit

Explore related programs

Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements